System and method for optogenetic therapy

Abstract

Configurations are described for utilizing light-activated proteins within cell membranes and subcellular regions to assist with medical treatment paradigms, such as hypertension treatment via anatomically specific and temporally precise modulation of renal plexus activity. The invention provides for proteins, nucleic acids, vectors and methods for genetically targeted expression of light-sensitive proteins to specific cells or defined cell populations. In particular the invention provides systems, devices, and methods for millisecond-timescale temporal control of certain cell activities using moderate light intensities, such as the generation or inhibition of electrical spikes in nerve cells and other excitable cells.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA[0001]This is a continuation application of International Application No. PCT / US2013 / 000262, filed on Nov. 21, 2013, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 729,283, filed on Nov. 21, 2012. The foregoing applications are hereby incorporated by reference into the present application in their entirety. Priority to the aforementioned applications is hereby expressly claimed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. §§119, 120, and 365 and any other applicable statutes.INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY[0002]Incorporated by reference in its entirety is a computer-readable nucleotide / amino acid sequence listing submitted concurrently herewith, and identified as follows: One 122 KiloByte ASCII (Text) file named “14—445—993_SeqList_ST25.txt” created on Mar. 13, 2015.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0003]The present invention relates generally to systems, devices, and processes for facilitating various levels of control over cells and ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a method for creating a directed action potential in a nerve by using light to stimulate specific proteins. The method involves using two implantable optical applicators to deliver light to the nerve and create a membrane polarization change. The light is directed to create an action potential that propagates in a desired direction along the nerve. The method can also involve using genetic modification to encode specific proteins that inhibit or stimulate the action potential. The technical effect of this patent is the creation of a more targeted and directed method for stimulating nerves that can potentially improve the efficacy and safety of nerve stimulation procedures.

Problems solved by technology

Electrical stimulation techniques, on the other hand, may be more precise from an interventional time scale perspective, but they generally are not cell type specific and may therefore involve significant clinical downsides.

Conversely, membrane hyperpolarization leads to the inhibition of such signals.

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